Cracker Barrel Fans, These Copycat Fried Apples Are LEGIT

You don't need to be a die-hard Cracker Barrel fan to know about their fried apples. I've never been to the Tennessee-based chain (it's a shocker, I know — please don't judge me!), but I've seen copycat recipes everywhere on Pinterest. But it's not because they look insanely amazing that I decided to make some myself. One thing in particular stood out to me when reading through all the recipes: BACON FAT.

Despite what their name might insuate to those that have never been to Cracker Barrel, these apples aren't deep-fried or batter. They're sauteed with lots of sugar and spices until deeply caramelized and tender. Copycat recipes call for either butter or bacon fat … but why would you ever use butter when bacon fat is an option?

Alexa Payesko

If you don't have a jar of bacon fat lying around, neither do we. The simplest solution is to fry a fresh batch and use the bacon for something else. (We know you won't have a problem finding a recipe for those crispy slices.) It's 100% worth it. The smokiness really puts this side dish (no, it's not dessert!) over the edge.

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